Youngstown leaders pursued major data center for past year, emails reveal
Youngstown city leaders, including Mayor McDowell's administration, have been secretly pursuing a "multibillion dollar" data center development with companies like Wharton Equity and LightHouse Data Centers for over a year. This pursuit comes despite known public opposition and the fact that nearby communities have enacted moratoriums due to concerns about noise, water use, and pollution. The city has engaged with utilities and site selection firms while attempting to manage public messaging.
An investigative report reveals that Youngstown city leaders have been actively and privately pursuing a significant data center development for over a year, contradicting their public silence on the matter. Emails obtained by 21 News show the city's economic development director, Stephanie Gilchrist, initiated contact with Adam Krupp of Wharton Equity in 2025, which later partnered with LightHouse Data Centers to develop hyperscale facilities. These discussions progressed to site considerations, including a Poland Avenue location and the Landsdowne airport site, with City Zoning Analyst Steve Biroschak raising concerns about land preservation and suitability.
Despite widespread public outcry and moratoriums enacted by neighboring communities like Warren, Girard, and Niles over noise, water use, and pollution concerns, Youngstown officials, including Mayor Derrick McDowell's administration, sought to manage messaging around potential opposition. Mayor McDowell made only vague public references to data centers, emphasizing economic benefits while avoiding direct acknowledgement of the city's active pursuit. Communications reveal engagement with First Energy for conceptual load studies and contact with the Data Center Coalition and Amazon Web Services for information.
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber also played a role in coordinating informational sessions and introducing site selection firms like Cushman and Wakefield to local communities, including Youngstown. While city officials claim these are routine economic development activities, internal emails indicate awareness of a "multibillion dollar development" and the need to address community opposition. Unanswered questions remain regarding the viability of proposed sites and the mayor's direct involvement, as many communications were handled by his staff. The article highlights a disconnect between the city's quiet, aggressive pursuit and its public stance, amid growing resident concerns.